It is the 22 day of the month of Rova, the Autumnal Equinox, and the day of Sandpoint's Swallowtail festival. Even though the festival has not yet started the town is awake with everyone preparing. The owners of the local tavern's prepare the meals that will be used for the lunch that day, merchants set up their tents to sell souvenirs to those who come to visit, and other town folk set up the games that they will run during the festival. When the time approaches most of the citizens and visitors will start to head to the square in front of the new church for the start of the Festival.

The game thread is opened, all PC's need to find their way to the Church for th estart of the festival

Emil yawns and sits up in bed, rubbing his eyes and looking out the window. "Today is the Equinox! Alright! Best day of the year!" He quickly hops out of bed and pulls his clothes on, fumbling in his cage for a live mouse and then slamming the cage shut, setting the mouse gently on the floor. Across the room, the massive slumbering serpent's tongue flicks out of its mouth lazily, catching the scent of prey. The snake's eyes snap open and it starts to slither towards the mouse.

The creature runs futilely away and Emil stops watching, turning to adjust his wrinkled clothes in the mirror and humming happily to himself while the sound of pained squeaking and powerful jaws echo through his bedroom.

Pulling a single lock of his hair into a curl that hangs over his face, Emil sighs contentedly and looks over his shoulder as the great snake climbs its way up his back. "Enjoy your breakfast?" he asks cheerfully, stroking the snake's head. "Well, now it's time to get mine."

Emil heads downstairs and starts to walk out the door. "Mom, I'm going out!" he calls. His aging mother smiles and waves. "Enjoy the festival dear, but try not to cause any trouble." "Yes ma'am." Emil closes the door behind him and quickly heads towards the town, eager to see all the shops that have been set up.

Walking with the air of someone who didn't have a deadly constrictor wrapped around his neck, Emil cheerfully stops by a few of the merchants setting up shop, hoping to get an early taste of their wares, but he was turned away at each stand. The merchants were not mean about it, rather they just laughed and told Emil to wait his turn like everyone else. Emil pouts a bit but gives up and decides to head over to the church and wait for the start of the ceremony. "You've got it easy," he says to Ratatosk. "If only you kept a cage of fresh hamburgers and fed me every morning instead of the other way around..."

Jito has been up since before the sun. Tending to his hut and taking observations of the surrounding nature. He's always been accustomed to living among forests, though this one's much thinner than those he remembers from his youth.

Just across the Turandarok River lies the town of Sandpoint where Jito has come to study the Old Light and other such relics of ancient times. Not always welcome, Jito tries hard to not startle locals and to make clear his passive intentions.

It wasn't just another day of collecting herbs and heading to town to trade for meals. Not another day of studying ancient languages that baffled the minds of the curious. Today, Jito would risk the stares and avoidance by the public to attend the Swallowtail Festival.

It's a long walk through town to the Church. Maybe I'll stroll through the woods this morn and take Tanner's across.

"...and that, younglings, is why death should not be feared, but accepted. Only the cursed path of undeath should fill you with terror. And now," Prophet says, looking up at the dawning light in the sky, "I must go. May Pharasma guide and watch you."

The rats in the alley in front of him chitter amongst themselves, and disperse as Prophet rises from his seat on the bedroll. Slowly and deliberately, the dhampir places his belongings in his pack. Then, he reverently removes his vestments, folding them properly and placing them in the bag. Finally, he dresses in his secondary attire, strapping his daggers and stakes to his sashes, folding his clothes back over them to avoid detection. He hides the pack in the shadow of some boxes, then pulls on his cestuses, picks up his hanbo, and makes his way to the church, his hood pulled up and his scarf wrapped around his chin and throat.

The evening before the dedication Jiessi walks out into the small garden and looks up into the stars. Beginning her prayers, Thank you Desna for your guidance and spirtual assistance in living the life that you have set forth for me. May I serve you and your desires with freedom and openness of heart, providing others with your blessings throughout my travels."

------

The smell of chickory coffee brewing wakes her up the next morning, a bright smile crosses her pouty lips, "Morning Auntie Cloe" pouring herself a cup of coffee and offering a second cup to her favorite aunt.

"The buzz has been terrific about this dedication it should be busy today, we need to get moving to get a good seat," Jiessi comments.

"I'll be along afterwhile, you go and get us a good seat near the front. My old eyes aren't what they use to be," a smile across the old wrinkled face.

Nodding Jiessi goes and gets ready putting on her worn leathers, lacing up her high boots, and sliding a dagger in one while putting the starknife in its sheath. She looks at her trusty buckler and heavy mace. Won't be needing you today. Tapping each one.

"See you soon auntie." Jiessi walk towards the square stopping at a baker and buying a roll. A bit farther she picks up a nectarine from the fruit merchant's cart, "Smells delicious." After a leisurely walk she makes it to the dedication and wiggles through the crowd.

The Pollick family walked through the early morning streets with smiles on their faces. Amelia, very religious, was happy to see a new cathedral, particularly since the one they'd been married in burned down in the Late Unpleasantness. James was looking forward to meeting new people and perhaps getting a few more weapons sold, particularly his rare stocks, which he had trouble getting rid of sometimes. James had spent the last few weeks getting ready by making Shoanti weapons, and the traditional weapons of the Gods the temple would be consecrated to. And of course little Michael was very excited to play the games and have new foods and meet new friends.

"How come we have to go to the church? Daddy doesn't even follow the Gods." Michael asked from his perch upon his father's shoulders.

"I worship many of the same ideals son." He answered.

"And besides that, your family is going and you need to make sure you're there. Further, most of the town is going and you want to see all the travellers and adventurers don't you?" Amelia asked, her dark eyes grinning up at her boy.

James nodded and waved to several of the people they passed, his friends and neighbors generally doing so back. My but isn't it the perfect day for a festival? The blacksmith thought, bouncing his son on his shoulders.

Prophet finds a nice shady spot by the back of the square, leaning against a building. He pulls his hood back after a moment's thought, deciding that there most likely isn't much of a threat. Still, he keeps his hanbo in his hands and his cestuses on.

Prophet scans the crowd as people gather for the celebration. Mostly civilians, other inhabitants... Really no one of import.

Sighing-- though whether out of relief that there's no threat, or boredom that there's no threat, even he couldn't say just then-- Prophet closes his eyes to wait until the proceedings begin.

The sun warms the autumn day, Jiessi finds a nice spot under an oak tree to sit down. A clear view of the new cathedral, she pulls out a scroll, one of The Eight Scrolls, and her eyes roam the well worn document. Her mouth moving as she reads, she looks up and her mouth continues to move from memory.

A respectfully large crowed has gathered for the festival. Right on time the first speaker of the morning steps unto the stage put up in front of the new church. The first speaker is none other than Mayor Deverin who says "Welcome one and all, and thank you for all coming to our festival. This is quite the crowd, I can see we have some visitors to our fair town, I also see that even Larz Rovanky was able to tear himself away from his work to come out, don't worry Larz that hide won't walk away while you enjoy yourself." To this there is some laughter from the crowed.

With that Mayor Deverin leaves the stage to be replaced with the next speaker, Sheriff Balor Hemlock "First welcome one and all. Now I just need to remind every one to be safe tonight during the bonfire. The fire can get very hot and it is best to keep an eye on your children to make sure they don't get to close. Now I'd like to ask everyone to bow there heads and take a moment of silence to remember those whom we lost in the fire that took our origanal chaple and the lives of Father Toyn, his adopted daughter Nualia, and an unknown amount of priest." After a moment of silence, Hemlock will say goodbye, remind everyone to be safe and then depart the stage.

Hemlock is replaced by the more livelier Cyrdak Drokkus, the owner of the theater house in Sandpoint. "Hello ladies and gents. Normally at this moment Lonjiku Kaijitsu would be up here before me, but sadly he called in sick, so I get to come up here earlier to welcome you all to this festival. Now of course this whole festival is dedicated to this grand new church we have built. The money for it came from the generous donations of the towns founding families, local businesses and of course form all the churches of the religions the gods worshiped in there. It is a beuitiful church, but you know who else is beutiful, Miss Allishanda of Magnimar, who will be performing as the lead role in my upcoming play the "Harpy's Curse" playing tomorrow evening." With that Dorkkus leaves the stage.

Finally the last person to speak is father Zantus. "Thank you all for coming, I am so happy to see so many people are here to celebrate this joyous occasion. I hope you all have fun today, there are many games and tents set up, and many activities today. So with ot further adue I declare this Shallowtail festival open." With that the crowed claps and then starts to disperse.

Emil listens patiently throughout the entire speech, then sits up and stretches when it's over. "Man, those people love the sound of their own voices, don't they? Huh. So there are some games open, huh? Wonder if there's any of those ring toss games, you know? I could win a goldfish! What do you say, Ratatosk? Feel like some seafood for lunch?"

Emil reaches back and pets his snake lovingly as he stands up and starts to walk around, immediately heading to a booth with food first and getting a nice hot meal. After he eats, Emil walks around looking for something interesting to do. "Hey, maybe there's a 'test your strength' game around here, or an arm-wrestling match or something. I bet I'd be pretty good at that!"

Cracking his knuckles and grinning eagerly, Emil rushes through the streets, seeking some kind of strength-based challenge or game.

As Emil walks through the crowds, he overhears a voice ringing out. "Step right up, step right up, folks and try your best! Do you have the strength to ring the bell? Only a man as powerful as an ogre could possibly succeed! Is anyone here as mighty as an ogre?!"

Emil stops in his tracks and an excited grin breaks out across his face. "Yo, old man!" he yells, running to the sound of the voice and breaking through to the front of the line. "Give me a shot. I'll wreck this thing."

Emil walks up and picks up the hammer, raising it up above his head as high as he can in both hands, before slamming it down onto the button with his full strength.

Having heard the opening ceremonies from beyond the crowd, Jito decides to seek out games of intelligence and trivia. He would love to test his other skills but he knows how uncomfortable people can be around him.

Jito puts on a wide brimmed straw hat that hides much of his infernal characteristics and most of Bala so long as he remains wrapped about his shoulders.

I think it best to try my hand at these games from an observers point of view. Wouldn't want to cause trouble now.

Jito stops in his tracks about 15 feet away from a game of archery. His jaw falls short somewhere between his knees as he reads the sign.

DEVIL HUNT!

Jito glances side to side to see if anyone is about to mistake him for a target and lowers his head as he slinks away. What else do you see Bala? Any games to identify plant species by seed type? Ah, what's this? Light House Smash? What say we try this?

Jito approaches the booth as a man solicits passersby from side to side.

"How does this work? I've never shot a cannon before much less a miniature cannon?"

Jito Listens to the instructions. When ready he judges the distance to the bottles, calculates the appropriate trajectory based on the weight of the ball and fires the cannon.

The child Jiessi touches is able to get all three goblins in the hole and wins the big prize, a little stuffed goblin of their own.

The disk goes all the way to the top, ringing the bell. The mutton-choped-sportting man who is running the Ogre stomp says "That's the spirit my friend, so the boys and lassies how it's done." Then takes another drink of his mead. You can choose witch prize you want from a selection of stuffed creatures: a goblin, a fire pelt leopard, a gecko, or a shallow tailed butterfly.

Jito uses the catapult that looks like a giant's arm.the catapult actually needs a range attack to use, at a -4 for non proficiency with siege weapons. how ever I'll give you a +4 circumstance bonus for using your intelligence to calculate the trajectory on all your shots. You have three shots.

Jiessi smiles when the child wins the big goblin. It's always get the goblin, it's little arms will soon be torn off. Her attention going elsewhere now as she walks towards the goblin toss game. Standing there watching and listening to the rules of the game. All the happy faces watching the little goblins hit the fire pit. A bit barbaric.

Prophet opens his eyes as the speakers take the stage, listening attentively. After the crowd begins to disperse, the dhampir makes his way along the edges of the square, watching for anything or anyone of interest.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

As he walks, he notices a few of the games. Throwing goblins in fire, tests of strength, miniature cannons...

Then he sees Devil Hunt. Grinning beneath his scarf, he walks up to the game, slipping his hanbo in its belt loop and removing his scarf and hood to appear less menacing. Once he procures the bow and arrows from the hawker, he draws back in an easy, fluid motion, takes aim quickly, and lets fly!

Attack roll: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

The first shot strikes (presumably), and Prophet turns to the man in charge of the game. "How many shots do I get?"

The Pollicks make a quick route of the games, Michael winning a goblin toss and Amelia enjoying an attempt at knocking down the bottles. James avoids these until he comes to the Ogre Stomp and watches Emil smash it. "A good strike, Emil." James says, taking the hammer for his turn. "But let me show you what a smith's muscles can do."

Strength Check:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

James strike is a bit off center and not quite as amazing as the half-orc's. "Ah well... Have to let you young'uns win some of them." He jokes with a rogueish smile. "Daddy, can I touch his snake?" Michael asks from his mother's side. "How should I know, Michael? The man is right here, ask him if his snake minds being touched."

Michael steps forward with a worried expression. "Will your snake hurt me if I touch it Mr. Emil?" He asks in wide-eyed innocence.

Jiessi wanders over to the Ogre Stomp. She sees a family looking at a half-orc young man with a snake on his body. That's odd. Seeing a young boy asking his parents, then the half-orc, if he could touch the snake.

She stands back and observes the half-orc's response and the crowd's reaction, noting several of the patrons have scooted a safe distance away from the snake.

Emil blinks in surprise and draws back from the human, his eyes scanning the human's face. "You know my name? ...Have we met?" he asks, unsure of whether he recognizes the human or not.

Looking at the child as he approaches, Emil smiles and shakes his head. "Nope! Ratatosk is well-trained to not hurt anyone unless they hurt him. Here, go ahead." Emil gets down on one knee so that he's eye level with the child, and Ratatosk is within the child's reach. The snake looks at the child with his black eyes, his tongue flicking out to catch the child's scent curiously.

After Michael pets the snake, Emil stands up and walks over to the man who is running the Ogre Stomp. He picks the fire-pelt leopard and brings it back over, handing it to the kid. "Here you go. Your dad was pretty close to ringing the bell anyway, and he was trying to win you a prize, so you can have mine." He ruffles the kid's hair and smiles at the father before turning and starting to walk away.

Perception check to see if he notices himself being watched by Jiessi:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Shooting the catapult is harder than it seems, even with the math backing Jito up, he misses every shot.
It gets worse at the goblin toss. Jito's target is the farthest smallest hole, which he precedes to miss all three times. The man running the game says "Well remind me never to ask you for help with actual goblins, since they are a little more hard to hit than that hole."

The Prophet has a better time at the devil hunt. The targer a is cut out of what appears to be a winged horse. His first shot get's a bulls-eye. In respons to the question, the balding Varisian running the game says "You get two shots."

Despite his boasting, John is only able to get the disk to the blue area, witch is an average job. John is rewarded a blue ribbon for his efforts.

Jito nods his head in agreement with the booth's manager. He knows the truth of matters though and ignores the jab.

Let's move on Bala.

They depart Goblin Toss and purchase some snacks of mixed berries and wild nuts.
Bala suddenly stirs on Jito's shoulder and says Jito, small child, not so small snake

Jito glances around until he notices several villagers staring at the child and a large constrictor. Not so menacing as infernal blood but uncommon to be sure. A half Orc kneels near both of them and several others are gathered close.

Sense motive1d20 ⇒ 16

Doesn't seem to be any danger there Bala. Most likely a pet and a curious child not so unlike someone you might be more familiar with.

Does Jiessi see the the tiefling, and his little friend, watching the group.

Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Hmmm, all sorts of strange fella's crawling out from their dark holes. A fiendish taint is here. Maneuvering herself behind the tiefling but keeping a line of sight on him. Should've brought my mace "Ole Thumper" with me.

As Prophet pulls back the arrow once again, he puts a little too much weight on the bow, and the string snaps. He hastily sets the bow back down, apologizing to the Varisian profusely and refusing any prize for one bullseye. That's strange, my first arrow was perfect. Fate must be interesting today...

This in mind, Prophet moves back to the outskirts of the crowd, replacing his hood and scarf, and scanning for anything of importance.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Not sure if the above means he notices the rest of the party or not.

Also, Prophet won't be playing any more games, so don't wait up for him.

"Sorry son, I forget we haven't been properly introduced. I'm James Pollick, son of John Pollick, Weaponsmith by passion and blacksmith by necessity. I've heard of you, and it's hard to miss the lad with the snake around his neck." James smiles as Emil hands his son the toy. "Ah... game must be rigged. You know your Papa's the strongest man in the village." He jokes with his son and makes a big muscle with his bicep. "It was nice to meet you." He calls to the departing half-orc.

Emil finds a nice spot in the grass where the sun is bearing down, next to a tree. He lets Ratatosk climb into the tree and takes a load off, laying on his back in the grass with the sun warming him up, and sighs in contentment. Emil watches the clouds go by and waits for lunch.

Jiessi is through with what she was doing. She is not playing any of the games.

Jiessi goes back to the tree she was sitting at when the speaches began. She notices that the half-orc, and his snake, are sitting under the tree now. "Hello, mind if I sit? It's a good spot for the festivities. I'm Jiessi by the way." He begins to sit down.

Lunch is served at the square in front of the church. It is provided by the many local taverns in town for free. Father Zantus and his acolytes roll out a covered wagon on to the square. Father Zantus than speaks "When Desna fell to earth for the first time, she was injured. She was found by a blind child, who nursed her back to health. To thank the child, Desna transformed the child into an immortal shallow-tail butterfly." The acolytes then open the wagon releasing thousands of shallow-tail butterflies. "To honor that child we save this time to release thousands of Desna's children unto the world."

Emil blinks up at the woman and glances over at Ratatosk, who slips his tongue out and sniffs the air around her. The snake returns to its perch without a second thought and Emil looks back at the woman and smiles. "Go right ahead. My name is Emil. The quiet guy in the tree is my friend Ratatosk. Don't mind him. He's always pretty lazy this time of day."

Emil gives a short push back and forces himself up into a sitting position, extending his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Jiessi."

When the father begins to discuss Desna, Jiessi perks up and listens intently. Jiessi claps loudly and stands up when the butterflies are released. all the beautiful color warms her heart."Bravo...bravo." Her hands clapping harder.

The rest of the day goes by as the festival continues. Much fun is had at the various games and activities going on. Just before sunset everyone heads back to the square for the final prayer and the bonfire.

Emil glances at the white-haired woman. "Huh? Yes. I've lived in Sandpoint for most of my life. Here with my mother...and...well, my dad tries to visit at least once a week. He can't always get away." Emil frowns and unconsciously scratches the back of his right ear.

"Huh? Your aunt? Oh well, do you want me to leave? I don't mind. I don't want to intrude on your family visit."

Prophet watches on as the butteflies are released. Shallowtails, Desna's favorite. An odd custom, but pleasant and harmless enough.

He continues to lean against the building as lunch is served, waiting until lines die down before heading over. He's never been a big eater, and takes only small portions, but a little of everything, willing to try it all.

On his way back to his place, Prophet notices the gathering under the tree (hard to miss, considering the participants), but doesn't worry about it and simply continues to where he was standing.

"She seems very nice. So, if you don't mind me asking, where are you visiting from? You said you came to Sandpoint to see your aunt, but...you don't really sound like you're from around here." Emil comments.

The snake slithers down the tree trunk and wraps itself around Emil's neck. "Oh, hey Ratatosk. Welcome back. Heh. No matter what nice branch or juicy mouse may cross his path, the guy always seems to think my neck is his personal tanning spot." Emil strokes the snake's head affectionately.

"My aunt is Chloe Windblown, who retired here about a year ago. She was a traveler looking for adventure where ever Desna took her." Pausing, "As far as myself I grew-up in the Valley of Stars, in the Calphiak Mountain range. I've traveled throughout Varisia, my feet are too motivated to stay put for long." Smiling brightly. "I have a bit of my aunt in me, I guess."

"A traveler, huh? I've always wondered what life might be like outside the city, but I don't think I'm ready to leave just yet. Still, I always feel at home in the wilderness. Sometimes it's kind of like the trees are speaking to me. I bet you've seen a lot of amazing things on your journey. What kinds of interesting sights and people have you met?"

So I'm just going to move along, Jiessi and Emil can continue there conversation in spoilers. Everyone should have returned to the square at sunset.

With the crowd gathered in the square once again, Father Zantus takes the stage. He then takes out a stone from his pocket and throws it to the ground. When it lands a sharp retort, like a crack of distant thunder, slices through the excited crowd as the sun's setting rays paint the western sky. A stray dog that has crawled under a nearby wagon to sleep starts awake, and the buzz of two dozen conversations quickly hushes as all heads turn toward the central podium. father Zantus clears his throat, takes a breath to speak, and suddenly a woman's scream slices through the air. A few moments later another scream rises then another. Beyond them a sudden surge of new voices rises, high-pitched, tittering shrieks that sounds not quite human. The crowd parts and something low to the ground races by giggling with disturbing glee as the stray dog gives a pained yelp and then collapses with a gurgle, it's throat cut open from ear to ear. As blood pools around it's head, the raucous sound of a strange song begins, chanted from shrill, scratchy voices.

DC12 perception:

You can see a small green creature besides the wagon where the dog was sleeping, you get to also act in the surprise round